How Much Money Is In Sports Betting? A Deep Dive Into The Numbers

Global Market Value of Sports Betting

The global sports betting industry is a financial juggernaut, with estimates placing its annual revenue at over $200 billion worldwide. This figure includes both legal and illegal betting markets. Legal betting—regulated and taxed—accounts for a smaller but rapidly growing portion, driven by countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and several parts of Asia and Europe.

United States: A Booming Market

Since the Supreme Court struck down the federal ban on sports betting in 2018, the U.S. market has exploded. As of 2025, more than 30 states have legalized sports betting, generating over $100 billion in total wagers annually. Sportsbooks in the U.S. typically operate on a profit margin of around 5-10%, meaning operators are collectively making billions in gross gaming revenue (GGR) every year.

Average Amount Bet by Sports Bettors

Individual sports bettors vary significantly in how much they wager. Here’s a breakdown of common betting behaviors:

Casual bettors: Wager $5–$50 per bet, often just on major events like the Super Bowl or World Cup.
Regular bettors: Bet weekly, spending between $100–$500 per month.
High rollers or sharp bettors: May wager thousands of dollars per game, often with carefully researched strategies.

Surveys and platform data indicate that the average U.S. bettor places about $25–$50 per bet, with monthly totals ranging from $150–$300.

Sportsbook Profits and Hold Percentage

The sportsbook’s revenue comes from the “hold”—the percentage of total money wagered that they retain after paying out winners. In the U.S., the average hold is 7–9%, although it can vary by sport, bet type, and promotional activity.

For example:

If $1 billion is wagered in a month across sportsbooks,
And the average hold is 8%,
The industry keeps $80 million in gross profit for that month alone.

The Economic Impact of Sports Betting

Sports betting doesn’t just benefit sportsbooks—it also impacts:

State governments: Through tax revenue. For example, New York collected over $700 million in tax revenue from mobile sports betting in one year.
Media and tech: Sportsbook partnerships, live odds integration, and streaming rights deals drive massive revenue.
Job creation: In operations, technology, customer service, marketing, and analytics.

How Much Do People Lose on Sports Betting?

Studies consistently show that most bettors lose money in the long run. On average, only about 3–5% of sports bettors are profitable over time. The rest either break even or sustain regular losses. For many, it’s a form of entertainment, but the financial losses can add up:

A casual bettor might lose $20–$100 per month
A regular bettor might lose $500–$1,000 per year
Problem gamblers can lose thousands or more, leading to financial harm

Conclusion: Big Money, Big Risks

The sports betting industry is flush with cash, driven by billions in annual wagers and robust profit margins for operators. While the average person bets moderately, the cumulative volume adds up quickly, making it one of the most lucrative segments of the global gambling market. Whether for entertainment or strategy, bettors should always approach sports betting with a clear understanding of the risks, rewards, and real monetary scale behind the scenes.